Ankara — Turkey has formally extended the mandate of its naval forces operating in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters by one year, starting from February 10, 2026, according to a decision published in Turkey’s Official Gazette.
The extension aims to protect Turkish-flagged and Turkey-linked commercial vessels, combat piracy, armed robbery and maritime terrorism, support humanitarian assistance operations, and strengthen the Turkish navy’s operational experience and international cooperation, the government said.
Turkey has played an active role in international counter-piracy missions since 2009, including NATO’s Ocean Shield operation and the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), which Ankara has commanded seven times between 2009 and 2025.
The statement noted that while Somalia submitted a request to the United Nations secretary-general, the UN Security Council has not renewed any resolutions since 2022 concerning piracy, armed robbery and maritime terrorism in Somali waters. International operations, however, continue outside Somali territorial waters under UN Security Council Resolution 1851 adopted in 2008.
It also said the European Union’s Atalanta naval mission was extended until February 28, 2027, following a decision by the EU Council on December 16, 2024.
Turkey said the extension reflects its national and international responsibilities to ensure maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation and support global peace and stability, in line with international law.
